Getting There & Away: Santa Cruz De Tenerife

Airports Serving Tenerife

Tenerife has two main airports. Air travel is the main way most international visitors reach the island.

Main Gateways

Tenerife North Airport (TFN): Los Rodeos Airport, 11km from Santa Cruz. Main inter-island and some Spanish/European flights.
Tenerife South Airport (TFS): Reina Sofía Airport, 60km from Santa Cruz. Most international and charter flights arrive here.
Both airports have duty-free shops, restaurants, car rental, ATMs, Wi-Fi.

Flight Routes and Pricing

Airlines connect Tenerife mainly to European cities. Pricing fluctuates seasonally.

Airline Insights

TFS: Low-cost carriers (Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air) and traditional carriers (British Airways, Lufthansa).
TFN: Binter Canarias, Canaryfly for inter-island; Air Europa, Iberia Express for mainland Spain.
Pricing: High season (winter/summer holidays) sees increased frequency and prices. Shoulder season (March-June, Sept-Nov) has better value. Carnival dates surge prices.

Airport Transfers to Santa Cruz

From TFS South

Bus (TITSA Line 10/111) is cost-effective (45-60 min, ~€9.35). Taxis cost ~€60-€80 (40-50 min).

Convenient Bus Options

From TFN North

Bus (TITSA Line 20) is quick (15-20 min, ~€2.65). Taxis cost ~€15-€20 (15 min).

Quick Taxi Access

Other Options

Car rental desks are at both airports. Pre-booked private transfers offer direct routes for groups or heavy luggage.

Rent or Pre-Book

Land Transportation

Buses & Self-Driving

Tenerife has no trains. TITSA buses provide island-wide connections. Renting a car gives flexibility, but be aware of mountain roads and city parking.

TITSA Buses: Sole public bus company, extensive network across the island.
Routes link Santa Cruz to airports (Line 10/20), Puerto de la Cruz (102/103), southern resorts (110/111), and La Laguna (014).
Use TITSA website or app for planning.
Self-Driving: Age 21-25+ (surcharge), license for 1-2 years. IDP required for non-EU/EEA. Credit card for deposit.

Major rental companies (DiscoverCars.com, Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt) and local ones (Cicar, AutoReisen).
Road conditions: Excellent highways (TF-1, TF-5). Mountain roads (Anaga, Teide) are winding, narrow, steep but well-maintained.
Parking: Difficult in city center. Use paid street parking (blue zones) or underground garages (Parking Weyler, Plaza de España).
Drive carefully on mountain roads, especially blind curves.

Sea Arrivals

Ferry Services and Cruise Ports

Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s port is a major hub for sea travel, serving inter-island ferries and international cruise ships. River transportation does not apply here.

Ferry Companies

Fred. Olsen Express: Fast ferries to Gran Canaria, La Gomera, La Palma.
Naviera Armas Trasmediterránea: Connections to Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, La Gomera, La Palma.
Ferries often include car transport options.

Cruise Ships & Port Connections

Santa Cruz is a popular port for major international cruise lines. When cruise ships are in port, the city center becomes more bustling.

Seamless Transit

Immigration for sea arrivals is similar to airports for non-Schengen.
Port is next to city center. Public bus stops are nearby.
Taxis are available. Tram network is a short walk. Main bus station () a short ride.

Departure Information

Exit Fees

No specific exit fees or taxes for departing travelers. Airport taxes are typically included in your flight ticket price.

Timing for Flights

For international flights (TFS), arrive 2-3 hours before. For domestic/inter-island (TFN), arrive 1.5-2 hours before. Check-in online if possible.

Airport Facilities

Both TFN and TFS offer lounges, duty-free, restaurants, and cafes. Santa Cruz bus station has cafes and shops.

Departure Reminder

Departures from TFS mean 2-3 hours at the airport. No specific exit fees apply.

Getting There & Away